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Do you ‘Google’: Tips for Becoming a Library Superstar
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Lydia Thorne
Search Operators
A Review
Library Superstar Thursday, July 23, 2015 Lydia Thorne Search - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Library Superstar Thursday, July 23, 2015 Lydia Thorne Search - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Do you Google: Tips for Becoming a Library Superstar Thursday, July 23, 2015 Lydia Thorne Search Operators A Review What is an Operator? An operator = a symbol that modifies the words or numbers around it AND
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What is an Operator?
- An operator = a symbol that
modifies the words or numbers around it
- Operators help to tweak, refine,
and narrow search (for ex. Boolean operators)
- Using an operator changes your
search query (sometimes drastically!)
AND OR NOT
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Google Search Operators
Refining Your Search!
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Learning Outcome
By the end of this session, students will be able to
determine when each Google search operator should be applied in a given situation
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Wildcard (*)
The asterisk (*) symbol acts as a place holder for
missing words if you only have a partial phrase or title
- Ex. [database * systems]
[invit*]
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Exclusion (-)
The minus (-) symbol excludes any words from your
search that follow the symbol
Works the same way as NOT (Boolean operator)
- Ex. [jaguar speed]
[jaguar speed –animal]
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Inclusion (+)
The plus (+) symbol will include words that follow
the sign in your search results
- Ex. [jaguar speed]
[jaguar speed +animal]
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Similar Words (~)
The tilde (~) symbol includes similar words in your
search results
- Ex. [mobile phone]
[~mobile phone]
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Number Range (..)
The dot-dot (..) symbol can be used to include a
range of numbers in your search
- Ex. [academy awards]
[academy awards 1965..1973]
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Restrict Keywords (:)
A few types:
i) (define:) Finds the word or phrase
immediately after the colon in the title
Ex. define:inorganic chemistry
define inorganic chemistry
ii) (filetype:) Restrict your search to a specific
file type
Ex. IRS tax forms filetype:pdf
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Summary
You have learned the following Google Search
Operators!
*
- :
~ + ..
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In-Class Activity: Google Trivia!
Are you a Google Library Superstar?
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Google Trivia Time!
Website
https://pollev.com/lydiathorne464
Text messaging
Text LYDIATHORNE464 to 37607 once to join
the session, then A, B, C, or D to vote!
Note: Depending on carrier and text message plan, some charges may apply!
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References
“Creating an Effective Search Strategy.” SNHU: Shapiro Library, 13 July 2015. Web. 20 July 2015. “Formulating Your Search Strategy: Introduction.” University of Saskatchewan Library, 11 July 2015.
- Web. 13 July 2015.
“Google Search Tips.” NDSU: North Dakota State University, 29 June 2015. Web. 16 July 2015. “Google Search Tips: Search Operators.” MIT Libraries, n.d. Web. 22 July 2015. “Information Literacy @ The Patrick Power Library.” Patrick Power Library, Saint Mary’s University June 2014. Web. 17 July 2015. “Search Operators.” GoogleGuide, 26 Feb. 2012. Web. 15 July 2015. “Top Ten Search Modifiers: Why They Matter, What They Are & How to Use Them.” Search Engine Land, 28 Oct. 2013. Web. 20 July 2015.